[Searching_03256]

Originally posted by goin'batty
Finally, I wanted to tell you that in Ohio, you do have to be careful about paying bmom expenses...

I just did a quick check and the very short reference clips I have on this. That says that expenses are covered by ORC 3107.10 and that you may pay SOME expenses (specifically listed) but NOT living expenses in an independent adoption. Yes in an agency, but not in an independent.

These are the kinds of things that an attorney in this field will be right on top of and most others wouldn't so please make sure you follow up with the right person to get you accurate info.

-Scott

[terelee37]

This bmom has not asked me for a penny. She rarely contacts me all. I would only be responsible for the baby's medical bills even. She lives with her mother, who has 5 other children, and is engaged to the baby's father. They say they are just not ready to provide for him right now. Bmom is 21, bdad is 18. They have been together for 3 years.
But how do I know she is receiving prenatal care. She says yes, but Never calls me for appointments. Am I being overly concerned?
Most likely yes. I had a son who was premature and only lived 18 months. It torn my heart out. I don't think I could have another handicapped child of my own.

[goin'batty]

Thanks, Scott. I didn't know what the exact details where in regards to expenses. My SW just has me verify everything with her in advance. Just wanted to give Tere a heads up.

Tere, just out of curiousity, does the bmom qualify for medicaid or does she have some sort of insurance that would cover her prenate visits? If she doesn't have insurance or some means to pay for the visits, maybe she isn't going and is embarrassed to tell you that she can't afford it. She might not want to be on medicaid either. Some women don't like the feeling of being on welfare. Just thought that maybe you could discuss this with her. The good thing for you is that if she does qualify and she is willing to be on medicaid it will cover birthing expenses.

How did you match with this young lady and her fiancee? Was it through your attorney? I'm only asking because I would assume that if the attorney had gotten you guys together he would have asked her about things like insurance and gotten her and the bdad to fill out medical histories. Keep in mind that I'm working with an agency and they did those things, I don't know if attorneys general do that stuff though.

To give you a comparison, when I was informed of the match my SW gave me copies of both bparents and their families medical histories to review, the bmom was helped in applying for medicaid and WIC and I was told where she was going for her prenate visits, I was also told if she needed anything like maternity clothing, etc. It was up to the bmom to decide if she wanted me to go with her to the visits (which she did) but my social worker would have kept me informed of what was going on during those visits. From what I've been told though, many women don't really like that and that's why they choose attorneys.

Remember, breathe!

Lori